Writing “Call & Response” was an incredible journey. The conversations I had with dear friends like Cynt Marshall were so powerful, and sometimes, we got in a few laughs. You’ve probably heard “the red hooker shoes” story before? She tells this story from the platform, in media interviews and even in her debut book “You’ve Been Chosen: Thriving Through the Unexpected.” In fact, it was in my first…
Into the inboxes of my private list of high-performing women leaders—something that makes it easier than ever to advocate for your growth at work. It’s the SOAR Women’s Leadership Academy Resource Guide for sponsors and leaders. Because the truth is you shouldn’t have to climb alone. This guide arms you with: ✅Two plug-and-play email templates to ask for professional development sponsorship (whether from HR, L&D, or your direct…
What happens when legacy meets evidence? In the second installment of the Leadership Revival series, we explore the science pillar of Call & Response. From positive psychology to neuroscience, we unpack why evidence-based coaching isn’t just powerful—it’s essential. I’ll take you behind the scenes of my journey through coach training at The CaPP Institute—founded by Valorie Burton, my mentor coach—and share how that science-centered approach continues to shape…
This week’s FlightPath is all about that powerful tension between what we know in our bones and what we can prove with data. In this edition, I share: The neuroscience behind executive presence (yes, mindfulness and visualization matter!) A behind-the-scenes look at the 168 sources that ground Call & Response in both faith and science What’s coming this week on The Culture Soup Podcast® (hint: we’re talking the…
But what other emotions did I feel? Watch the video where I share all the realness. We’re discussing how to navigated the emotions through layoffs, because emotional literacy and regulation is the key to getting closer to thriving as best as possible during dark times of like cuts. Join us in The Circle, and don’t forget to hop over to my Substack to subscribe where I’m spilling the…
In 2019, I noticed these signs and prepared accordingly. When the layoff came, I was ready and saw it as a new beginning. In my latest Substack article, I delve into how recognizing these “tea leaves” can empower you to navigate career transitions with foresight and confidence. Read the full story and subscribe here: https://lmichellesmith.substack.com/p/knowing-how-to-read-tea-leaves-can
So I prepared. I interviewed. I networked. And when the day came, I smiled. I was Dreamin’ in Black an entire year before the notice. I chose to walk out with grace, truth, and a quiet kind of power. I over-delivered on my final assignment at Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit with my beautiful colleagues, and took a ton of selfies. And as you know, this year,…
🎙️ Episode 191 of The Culture Soup Podcast marks the beginning of something special: the Leadership Revival series. As we step closer to the release of Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, this new podcast series pulls back the curtain on the making of the book—blending soul, scholarship, and story. In this debut episode, I reflect on the deep historical roots of Black Church…
You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the only leader carrying that weight in silence. This week’s episode of Her Next Power Move explores why it’s lonely at the top, and what you can do to reclaim connection and community. 🎧 Listen now: https://open.substack.com/pub/lmichellesmith/p/ep-10-its-lonely-at-the-top-combating?r=4lpoap&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web And don’t miss the free visual tool I created to help you recognize—and rewire—loneliness before it takes root.